As the article states, in July 2018 it has been 100 years since the Montagu Chelmsford Report came out. Considering UPSC’s fascination with such historical milestones, it becomes important to prepare the topic in detail. Hence this question.

Key demand of the question

The question expects us to discuss the key principles that came out of the Report and explain how they are being continued in our present constitution.

Directive word

Discuss – Here your discussion has to remain focussed on underlining the key takeaways from the report that had an impact on the polity and explain whether or not and in what ways those provisions had an impact on our constitution.

Discuss how they were or were not continued in subsequent years. Discuss the provisions of local self government, the federal structure etc in our constitution, the foundations of which were laid down by such Acts

Conclusion – Give your view on the contribution of British in evolving a sound polity in India through these reports.

Topic– Part of static series under the heading – “Recommendations of Punchhi Commission”

The question expects us to highlight the issue faced in government formation in those states. Thereafter, it expects us to quote the relevant recommendations of Punchhi Commission and how those recommendations would help.

Directive word

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Highlight the recent uncertainty and confusing in government formation in case of hung assembly in Goa and Karnataka.

Body –

Discuss the two major recommendation of Punchhi Commission regarding – clear guidelines on the chief ministers’ appointment so that the discretionary powers of the governor are limited in this regard, and reforms in the office of governor

Discuss these reforms in great detail alongwith its impact

Conclusion – Give your view on what the way forward should be.

General Studies – 2

Topic– Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability

Section 13(1)(d)(iii) of PoCA has been a matter of debate since a long time with several committees such as 2nd ARC expressing its opinion. The spectre of 3C is closely related to this provision of the PoCA. The amendment is thus important and its impact on the fight against corruption needs to be analyzed.

Key demand of the question

The question expects us to explain section 13(1)(d)(iii) of the Constitution and discuss the debate surrounding mens rea as a result of this section. Explain why there have been calls for amendment and the arguments against it. Discuss the amendments that have taken place and the likely impact.

Directive word

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any .

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Explain that amendments have been made to one one the key provisions of PoCA. Explain what PoCA is

Body

Discuss what is entailed in Section 13(1)(d)(iii). Examine the view of 2nd ARC that a distinction between collusive and coercive bribing. Give the potential harms such as risk of policy paralysis, unable to respond in a dynamic manner etc. Also bring out the other aspect that is how diluting the provision could have a detrimental effect in the fight against corruption. Highlight views of TSR Subramanian who has repeatedly said that the existing law offers adequate protection to honest officers

Discuss the amendments made to aforementioned section and insertion of Section 17A to say that even an inquiry/investigation cannot be carried out without the approval of the government. Discuss the impact it is likely to have on fight against corruption.

Conclusion – Give your view on the amendment and its impact on corruption.

Women empowerment and ending social and religious discrimination faced by them is one of the cherished goals of any modern constitutional democracy, including India. It is important to know the constitutional provisions and the legal interpretations and judgements related to these issues.

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to dig deep into the issue and discuss the constitutional provisions related to religious freedom and access of women to religious places. It wants us to express our opinion as to what are the complexities involved in the issue and how they manifest themselves in the present discourse on entry of women into the Sabarimala temple.

Directive word

Comment- Here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer

Write a few lines about the issue of entry of women to religious places in India. E.g recent incidents- Haji Ali Dargah , Shani Shingnapur temple, Trimbakeshwar Shiva temple etc. Mention that Sabarimala temple issue is being currently under the adjudication of the Supreme Court-Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala.

Body-

Highlight and discuss the related provisions in the constitution of India. the right to freedom of religion of both individuals and groups; Articles 25 and 26; , subject to common community exceptions and also, crucially, to the guarantee of other fundamental rights;Article 25(2)(b) which creates a further exception to the right ;Article 26, on the other hand, which is also subject to limitations imposed on community grounds, accords to every religious denomination the right, among other things, to establish and maintain institutions for religious purposes and to manage their own affairs in matters of religion etc.

Discuss the core issue surrounding the Sabrimala temple controversy. E.g clash between a series of apparently conflicting claims: among others involving the temple’s right to decide for itself how its religious affairs ought to be managed; a rights of the women to unreservedly enter and pray at the shrine etc.

Conclusion– Based on your discussion form an overall opinion on the issue.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

The article points out the problem of fake drugs in India and the way technology is being utilised for solving the issue. Blockchain has been in news because our PM himself has appreciated the merits of the technology and thus its application becomes useful from the point of view of mains.

Key demand of the question

The question expects us to first explain the problem in depth. Thereafter, we need to explain how Blockchain can be utilised to solve this issue. The problem being talked about is the menace of spurious drugs.

Directive word

Discuss – The details of the problem have to be given such as the extent, impact, reasons etc.

Analyze – Your answer should focus on linking how the application of blockchain technology can help in dealing with the problem of fake drugs.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Highlight that India is largely known as the pharmacy of developing world and the problem of fake drugs has serious implications for India.

Body

Discuss the extent of India’s pharma market and the significance of it.

Discuss the findings of the who report that highlighted 20% of all drugs sold in India are fake, also stated that 35 % of all the counterfeit drugs sold worldwide originate from India. The implications need to be discussed.

Explain what Blockchain is. Highlight how blockchain can help in addressing this issue. Discuss its use in end to end supply chain managed.

Conclusion – Emphasize on the advantages of introducing such a measure along with way forward.

Topic– Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

The Indian electronics industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world. Electronics manufacturing is a potential area where india can absorb its vast human resources. Coupled with a burgeoning domestic market and a plethora of pressing social needs, the opportunity can be utilized to make India a global hub of manufacturing, create employment and boost social and economic growth.

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to write in detail about the factors behind the growth of the electronics sector in India. It also wants us to discuss about the efforts of the government towards making India a global hub for electronics manufacturing.

Directive word

Discuss- This s an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. We also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.

Structure of the answer

Write a few lines about the growth of electronics industry in India- growth rate in recent years, projected growth rate vs global projected growth rate etc.

Body

Mention that, in 2015, the industry in India was valued at USD 75 Billion, despite a weak global economy. Discuss the factors behind the growth of the electronics industry in India- Increasing domestic demand, upswings in disposable incomes, the endeavour to build a Digital India through wider broadband connectivity and e-governance programs, rising manufacturing costs in other manufacturing economies and burgeoning consumption in the Middle East, Latin America and North Africa fuelling global demand.

Discuss the efforts of the government to make India a global hub for electronics manufacturing. E.g Digital India; a budgetary provision of USD 114 Million has been made in towards incentive schemes like Modified Incentive Special Package Scheme (M-SIPS) and Electronics Development Fund (EDF) in FY 2017-18. The increase in allocation has been made to keep pace with the increase in the number of investment proposals received within the sector. This is likely to reduce the dependence on imports; The Electronics Manufacturing Clusters Scheme; etc.

Conclusion– sum up your discussion in a few lines and form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the above issue.

General Studies – 4

Topic–Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government,

The question wants us to highlight and describe the six perceived governance quality measures as enunciated by the 2nd ARC report and express our opinion on their status, desirability etc in the present Indian narrative.

Directive word

Comment- here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – write a few lines about the 2nd ARC report and its purpose of constitution.

Body-

Mention and briefly discuss each of the six perceived governance quality measures- voice and accountability; absence of political instability and violence; government effectiveness; reasonableness of the regulatory burden; the rule of law; and the absence of graft.

Now compare these measures with, where India stands today. Mention various indices/ statistics related to these measure which highlight India’s position. Give your personal opinion as to what you perceive about the present context.

Conclusion– Conclusion- Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.

NOTE:

We are giving hints for each question. Please use your creativity and originality to come up with answers that are unique to you. But do so without deviating from core demand of each question. Ultimately you should use your reason and judgement to write your own answer.